ES2339574T3 - DISPENSING DEVICE WITH COUNTER. - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus (1) comprising a housing containing a dosage counter comprising a first and a second annular element (11, 13), each mounted so that it can rotate, the housing being suitable for receiving, during use , a container (10) containing a product for dispensing, the container (10) being able to be placed inside the holes / openings of the first and second annular element (11, 13) characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a cogwheel ( 12), the axis of rotation of the cogwheel (12) being separated from the axes of rotation of the first and second annular element and the axis of rotation of the cogwheel (12) being located outside the first and second annular element ( 11, 13) where an incremental rotation of the first annular element (11) occurs with each actuation of the device which, after a predetermined number of apparatus performances, causes the gearwheel (12) to rotate, the rotation of the gearwheel ( 12) produces the incremental rotation of the second annular element (13).

Description

Dispensing device with counter.

This invention relates to an apparatus dispenser that has dosing counting devices integrals that require an axial force to drive. In In particular, the invention relates to a dispensing apparatus that It has a dosage counter.

It has been recognized that there is a need for provide accurate information to a user of a device supply of doses dispensed in relation to the number of doses delivered from, or remaining in, the dispensing apparatus. Without such information, there is a danger that the user forgets how many doses have been delivered and therefore you take a number of higher or lower dose than required. There is also danger that a user may not be aware that the dispensing device is empty or close to being. It is especially dangerous when the dispensing apparatus is used for the supply of compounds Medicines for the treatment of chronic or acute symptoms, by example, as in the case of pressurized metered dose inhaler Used for the treatment of asthmatic reactions.

A number of devices have been proposed for count the number of doses supplied or that remain in a supply apparatus WO95 / 08484 shows a dose counter device for use with a dispenser aerosol medication The device works by converting of a non-rotating force on an outer cover in a turn of an indicator wheel by using a set of ratchets  flexible gears with a set of teeth. The ratchets they are pressed and thus extend circumferentially when the force applied forces them to make a turn of the teeth. This device has been shown to have, however, disadvantages The reliability of the operation of the dispenser of medication and ratchets, for example. If the ratchets are too rigid in relation to the adjustment of the internal spring then the medication dispenser can dispense a dose before the ratchets flex enough to rotate the indicator wheel; a dose would be delivered without the counter register Alternatively, if the ratchets are too much flexible relative to the internal spring adjustment then the ratchets can flex enough to turn the wheel indicator before the medication dispenser has dispensed a dose; a dose would be recorded by the counter but It would not really be supplied.

EP 1065477 describes a dispenser of doses with a device to count the dispensed doses, in which the dispenser comprises a base body, a body functional superimposed on the base body, a first body of disk housed in and that can rotate inside the functional body and in which flexible tabs are projected on the first body of disk causing the first disk body to rotate one step at a time that the functional body moves axially relative to the body base. WO 02/067844 describes another inhaler that It comprises a dosing counter device, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention seeks to provide dispensing devices that have dose counting devices integrated that overcome at least some of the associated disadvantages With previous techniques.

Consequently, in a first aspect, the invention provides a dispensing apparatus comprising a housing containing a dosage counter comprising a first and second annular element, each mounted so that can rotate, the housing being suitable to accommodate, during use, a container containing a product for dispensing, being able to place the container to pass inside the holes / openings of the first and second annular element characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a gear wheel, the axle being of rotation of the cogwheel shifted relative to the axes of rotation of the first and second annular element, locating the axis of rotation of the cogwheel outside the first and second element override so that each performance of the device makes the first annular element rotate incrementally what, after a number default of performances of the device, makes the cogwheel turn, the rotation of the cogwheel makes the second element cancel turn incrementally.

During use, a force of action longitudinal applied to the container becomes a force of rotation applied to the first annular element by means of formations of combined operation that have support surfaces in angle.

Preferably, the first annular element is provided with angled support surfaces.

The dispensing apparatus further comprises a cover or cover, to surround at least part of a container that It can be placed in the dispensing apparatus. The cover or cover is provided with angled support surfaces.

More preferably, the first annular element, and / or the cover or cover are provided with one or more sets of Angled support surfaces in different diameters.

During use, the respective sets of angled support surfaces of the first annular element and the cover or cover work in combination to provide a twist incremental of the first annular element after the performance longitudinal of the cover or cover. In particular, a first set of parts in combined operation of the first element annular and cover or cover work in combination to provide a partial incremental rotation of the annular element after a longitudinal downward stroke of the device dispenser. A second set of parts in operation combined of the first annular element and the cover or cover they work in combination to provide a second and final turn partial incremental of the first annular element after the action longitudinal in a reciprocal upward stroke of the apparatus dispenser.

The first annular element may be provided with means to cause the rotation of the cogwheel, such as a notch or a projection placed on an outer edge of the First annular element. The projection or notch is capable of interact with a part with the corresponding shape of the wheel toothed

When the first rotation means annular element are a notch, the cogwheel is rotated by means of a tooth that captures the notch of the first annular element when The element rotates with the actuation of the device. Similarly, when the turning means of the first annular element are a outgoing, the cogwheel has the notch with the shape corresponding with which to cause the desired rotation of the tooth.

The first annular element has three means of turn located on its outer edge, separated by at least ten turn increments.

Preferably, each respective part of the cogwheel that interacts with the first and second element Annular has a different number of teeth. More preferably, the ratio of teeth in the respective parts of the cogwheel that interact with the first and second ring element is 1: 2

The cogwheel can be made of material sturdy and / or stand sturdy against an edge exterior of the first annular element.

Preferably, the annular elements first and second they are provided with one or more sets of brands Indicators of the quantity or number of doses of product dispensed from, or remaining in, a container housed inside the apparatus. In particular, the set of marks can be numberings or variations of color and / or tone.

As a preference, the numbering of the first annular element varies from 0 to 9 and that of the second annular element of 00 to 20, so when you see them both in combination, it shows A three-digit number.

With the performance of the device, the numbering decrease or increase by a value of one.

Preferably, the second annular element is provided with an extended part that is placed on the second annular element so as to cover the marks of the first element void when a container that can be placed in the housing is empty.

Optionally, the dispensing apparatus can also comprise means to block the operation of a container placed in the housing.

As a preference, the dispensing apparatus is provided with a nozzle that can be separated from the housing.

Additionally, a part of the cover or cover and a part of the housing can be adapted to provide resistance to the performance of the dispensing apparatus. The part of the cover or cover is a sturdy element and the housing part it is a static support surface on which, during use, you can temporarily support the cover part or cover.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise third and posterior annular elements, with a cogwheel additionally provided in each additional annular element, by which a predetermined number of turns of the previous ring element produces an incremental turn of the back element.

The cogwheel of the first aspect of the invention comprises a shaft, with a pivot hole located in the center of it and a set of teeth that extend towards the outside from the center of the cogwheel, being able to turn the cogwheel on the longitudinal axis through the hole, in which one or more teeth have a reduced height in the direction of the longitudinal axis in which the upper and lower edges of the tooth are not aligned with both upper and lower faces of the cogwheel.

Preferably, the one or more teeth than they have a reduced height are half the height of the others teeth and are placed between each pair of teeth not height reduced

Preferably, also, the tall tooth reduced is placed either on the upper edge or on the lower edge of the cogwheel.

The invention also includes an apparatus dispenser substantially as described in this document, with Reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

Parts of one or more teeth may be separated by a non-toothed spacer, so that, during the use, a first end of the cogwheel, which includes one or more teeth of reduced height, can interact with the first annular element and a second end of the cogwheel, which does not it is provided with one or more teeth of reduced height, it can interact with the second annular element. The one or more teeth that have reduced height are half the height of clients of height not reduced, extending the teeth of height not reduced from the spacer to the face of the first end of the cogwheel. Preferably, the cogwheel comprises a tooth of reduced height placed between each pair of teeth of height not reduced.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a container located in the housing of the dispensing apparatus, the container is preferably pressurized. The container is can be placed inside the dispensing apparatus, so that the container can be placed inside the holes / openings of al minus two annular elements. In other words, the elements annular surround at least part of the container when the container It is loaded inside the dispensing device.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a combination is provided comprising an apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention and a container placed in the housing of the device.

Preferably, the container placed in the device is pressurized.

The invention also includes combinations substantially as described in this document, with reference  to the attached drawings.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a gear wheel is provided comprising a shaft, with a pivot hole located in the center of it and a set of teeth that extend outward from the center of the gear zone, the gear wheel can rotate on an axis longitudinally through the hole, in which one or more teeth they have a reduced height in the direction of the longitudinal axis in that the upper and lower edges of the tooth are not in line with both upper and lower sides of the cogwheel.

Preferably, the one or more teeth than they have a reduced height are half the height of the others teeth and are placed between each pair of teeth not height reduced

Preferably, also, the tall tooth reduced is placed either on the top edge or on the Bottom of the cogwheel and are made of material resistant.

The invention also includes sprockets. substantially as described in this document, with reference  to the attached drawings. The dispensing apparatus may be a pharmaceutical dispensing device, such as, for example, a pulmonary, nasal or sublingual delivery device. A use preferred of the dispensing apparatus is a pharmaceutical device aerosol inhaler in measured doses. The pharmaceutical term, such As used in this document, it is intended to encompass any drug, compound, composition, medication, agent or product that can be supplied or administered to a human or animal being, by example drugs, medicines, biological and medicinal products. Examples include antiallergics, analgesics, bronchodilators, antihistamines, proteins and therapeutic peptides, cough suppressants, anginal preparations, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory preparations,  hormones or sulfonamides, such as, for example, an amine vasoconstrictor, an enzyme, an alkaloid or a steroid, including combinations of two or more thereof. In particular, examples include isoproterenol [alcohol alpha- (isopropylaminomethyl) protocatechyl], phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, glucagon, adrenochrome, trypsin, epinephrine, ephedrine, narcotin, codeine, atropine, heparin, morphine, dihydromorfinone, ergotamine, scopolamine, metapyrilene, cyanocobalamin, terbutaline, rimiterol, salbutamol, flunisolide, colcicin, pirbuterol, beclomethasone, orciprenaline, fentanyl and diamorphine, streptomycin, penicillin, procaine penicillin, tetracycline, chlorotetracycline e hydroxy-tetracycline, adrenocorticotropic hormone and adrenocortical hormones, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate and prednisolone, insulin, chromoline sodium, and mometasone, including combinations of two or more of the same.

The drugs can be used well as a free base or as one or more conventional salts in the art, such as, for example, acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bitartrate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsilate, carbonate, chloride, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisilate, stolate, silate, fumarate, fluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycolylarsanylate, hexylresorcinate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methyl bromide, methylnitrate, Methylsulfate, mucate, napsilate, nitrate, pamoate, (embonate), pantothenate, phosphate, diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, subacetate, succinate, sulfate, tanate, tartrate and trietyoduro, including combinations of two or more thereof. Cationic salts can also be used, for example metals alkalines, for example Na and K, and ammonium salts and amine salts known in the art as pharmaceutically acceptable, by example glycine, ethylenediamine, choline, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, octadecylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, 1-amino-2-propanol-amine-2- (hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol, and 1- (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) -2 isopropylaminoethanol.

The drug will typically be one that is suitable for inhalation and can be provided in any suitable form for this purpose, for example a powder solution or suspension in a liquid vehicle, for example ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol. Typical propellants are HFA134a, HFA227 and dimethyl ether.

The drug may, for example, be a suitable one. for the treatment of asthma. Examples include salbutamol, beclomethasone, salmeterol, fluticasone, formoterol, terbutaline, sodium cromoglycate, budesonide and flunisolide and salts physiologically acceptable (for example salbutamol sulfate, salmeterol xinafoate, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone di-propionate and sulfate terbutaline), solvates and esters, including combinations of two or More of them. Individual isomers such can also be used. such as R-salbutamol. How I know will understand, the drugs may comprise one or more ingredients assets, an example of which is flutiform, and optionally they can be provided together with a suitable vehicle, for example a liquid vehicle If desired, one or more may be included. surfactants

The rigid components of the dispensing device they can be made with, for example, polyester, nylon, acetate or Similar.

The performance of a dispensing device typically involves depression of a valve stem of the  container -which provides product dispensing- followed by a reciprocal resistant movement of the valve stem -replenishing the container measuring valve ready for later dispensed-.

So that the invention can be detailed fully, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus dispenser of Figure 1, together with a container;

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a first and a second numbering ring and a cogwheel of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a partial plan view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the upper side of a cover of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lower side of a cover of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first numbering ring of the dispensing apparatus of Figure one;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a alternative embodiment of the dispensing apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus dispenser of Figure 9, together with a container;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of several internal features of the dispensing apparatus of the Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a gearwheel for use in the dispensing apparatus of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cover for use in the dispensing apparatus of Figure 9;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a first and a second numbering ring and a cogwheel of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 9;

Figure 15 is a partial sectional view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 9 and shows the characteristics internal to the body of the dispensing apparatus; Y

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a first numbering ring that has two parts in diameter different, for use with the dispensing apparatus of Figure 9.

Figure 1 shows a dispensing apparatus, generally indicated as 1, which has a cover 2, a fixing collar 3, a counter body 4, a main body 5 and a dust cover 6.

Figures 2 and 3 show the characteristics internal of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a first numbering ring 11 (first element annular), a cogwheel 12, a second numbering ring 13 (second annular element) and a receiver block of a stem of valve 14. A separate container of the product is also shown 10.

With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the body main 5, which is substantially cylindrical, is provided with an elongated nozzle 20 at the lower end - in relation to the dispensing apparatus-, the end of which can be covered with the cover dust cover 6 and one open end 21 located at the other end relatively superior of the main body 5 opposite the nozzle 20. The receiver block of the valve stem 14 is placed inside of the main body 5 so that it can receive a stem from valve 22 of container 10 - which can be placed in position a through the open end 21- and placed so that, when the apparatus 1 is operated, the product is dispensed through the nozzle 20 and out of the dispensing apparatus. Container 10 it also comprises a measuring valve that is retained by middle of a ring 23. A valve stem 22 extends from the measuring valve so that the measured dose of the product can be dispensed through the action of the mechanism of the valve. The main body 5 also comprises a first part function of an adjacent adjustment arrangement 24 located to the open end 21.

The body of the counter 4, which is substantially cylindrical, additionally comprises one or more openings 30 through the side of the body of the counter 4 and an elongated portion 31 and is open at both upper and lower relative ends. The elongated part 31, located at the upper end thereof - in relation to the dispensing apparatus-,
houses the sprocket 12 and the first and second numbering rings 11, 13. The axis of the sprocket 12 moves from the axes of the numbered rings 11, 13 so that the sprocket 12 can interact with both numbered rings 11, 13 that are housed in the substantially cylindrical part of the body of the counter 4 without impeding the axial movement of the container 10. The cover 12 is placed on the upper end of the body of the counter 4 and overlaps with an upper end of the container 10. The cover 2 is axially slidable within the body of the counter 4 so that it can interact with the first numbering ring 11. The cover 2 and the first numbering ring 11 have shapes that work in combination 41 having angled bearing surfaces that can interact with each other with the operation of the apparatus 1. Figures 6 to 8 show in more detail the formations of combined operation. In particular, the cover 2, which is substantially cylindrical, is provided with one or more substantially triangular teeth 70 (angled bearing surfaces), evenly spaced around the outer circumference of the cover 2 and open at the lower end 71, so that one end of a container 10 can be inserted therein.

As shown in Figure 3, a container 10 loaded in the dispensing apparatus 11 can slide through the holes / openings of the numbering rings 11, 13 when Operate the device.

A first numbering ring 11 comprises the minus a notch 40 located on the outer edge thereof and angled support surfaces 41 that can work in combination with the corresponding tooth substantially triangular 70 of the cover 2. The first numbering ring 11 it is also provided with a set of numberings from 0 to 9 for each notch 40, so that after the ninth performance of the apparatus 1, the notch 40 is in a position to interact with the sprocket 12. In a preferred embodiment, the ring of numbering 11 will have three notches 40 and, thus, will have three sets of numbers from 0 to 9.

Cover 2, cogwheel 12 and the first and second numbering ring 11, 13 are kept inside the body of the counter 4 by means of a fixing collar 3, which forms a pressure adjustment connection with the upper end of the body of the counter 4. The body of the counter 4 also comprises a second functional part of a turn adjustment arrangement 25 located internally and adjacent to the lower end of the body of the accountant.

The cogwheel 12, as seen more clearly in Figures 4 and 5, it is provided with a hole 53 located in the center of it, and a variety of teeth 50 that extend outward from the center of the cogwheel 12. The wheel toothed 12 is mounted so that it can rotate on an axis longitudinally through hole 53. Each alternative tooth 50 has a reduced height in the direction of the longitudinal axis in which the upper and lower edge of tooth 50 are not aligned with both upper and lower sides of the sprocket 12. The cogwheel 12, therefore, is arranged so that when there is eight teeth 50 in a lower row of teeth 52, a row top of teeth 51 has only four teeth 50. The rows upper and lower teeth 51, 52 are arranged so that interact only with the first and second numbering ring 11, 13, respectively. In an alternative, the upper teeth and bottom 50 may not be aligned in the form of two rows distinct, or, really, the upper teeth 50 may be extension of any of the lower teeth 50, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The second numbering ring 13 is provided with a variety of teeth 60, located adjacent to the end top of the numbering ring 13 and numbered on the outside of the numbering ring 13. The numbering varies from 00 to 20, the distance between each number corresponds to the distance between two teeth 60.

The openings 30 are positioned such that the numbering on the outside of the numbering rings 11, 13 They can be seen by a user. In an alternative embodiment, only the numbering of the second numbering ring 13 is visible by a user through openings 30. In an alternative additional, the numbering on the outside of the rings of numbering 11, 13 may be replaced by marks, such as variations of colors and / or tone or even indicators such as Full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, or Empty, for example.

The main body 5 and the counter body 4 they are coupled together by means of a turn adjustment arrangement using the first and second functional parts 24, 25 that maintain the two bodies 4, 5 together safely. The dust cover 6 is secured to the nozzle 20 by means of an adjustment device by pressure

With reference to all Figures 1 to 8, in the utilization, a container 10 can be loaded in its position inside of the apparatus 1 by rotating separation of the body from the counter 4 and main body 5 and pushing a container 10, first the valve stem 22, in the opening of the body main 21 and placing the valve stem 22 in the block of receiving the valve stem 14. Such a load inserts the container 10 through the holes / central openings of the numbering rings 11, 13 and, when loaded, the rings of Numbering 11, 13 are placed around container 10.

The operation of the device 1, by pressure on the Deck 2 in the direction of Arrow A, causes an amount of product is dispensed from container 10 by a force of opposite reaction from the receiving block of the stem of valve 14 acting on the valve stem 22, which is retracted inwards relative to the rest of the valve measurement so that a quantity of product is dispensed from the valve stem 22 through the receiving block of the valve stem 14, from where it is dispensed as an aerosol to through the mouthpiece 20 and is inhaled by a user who inhales on the nozzle 20. The release of the cover 2 causes the cover 2 of container 10 return to its starting position, due to adjustment of the internal spring of the measuring valve, ready for later dispensed.

Each performance of the apparatus 1 makes the first numbering ring 11 rotate incrementally only in one or the other of Arrow B directions continuously due to the lace of the combined operating formations, which have surfaces at an angle, between cover 2 and the first ring of numbering 11.

Every ten performances of device 1 make a notch 40 passes the cogwheel 12, the effect of this being that a tooth 50 of the upper row of teeth 51 is picked up by the notch 40 when it rotates, this rotation produces a rotation corresponding opposite of the sprocket 12, causing it to rotate the second numbering ring 13 in the same direction as the first numbering ring 11. Therefore, it can be seen that each device performance makes the numbering value visible to through one or more openings 30 decrease or increase in the value of one.

Figures 9 to 16 show an embodiment alternative of a dispensing apparatus according to the present invention. In relation to this alternative embodiment, they will be used similar references to describe similar elements, when be necessary. However, attempts are made to describe predominantly additional or alternative features, although this embodiment alternative can include many of the characteristics of the embodiments treated or shown in relation to Figures 1 to 8.

The alternative embodiment is indicated. usually in 1 '. The dispensing apparatus 1 'has a cover 2',  a 3 'fixing collar, a 5' main body and a nozzle removable 20 ', the dispensing apparatus is also provided with a first and second numbering rings 11, 13, a cogwheel 12 'and a sheath 100 as shown in Figure 10.

In this embodiment, only one is provided body part (main body 5 '). The main body 5 ' houses the numbering rings 11, 13, the sprocket 12 'and the 10 mounted container. As shown in more detail in the Figure 15, numbering rings 11, 13 can be seated on internal projections 110 of the main body 5 '. Such 110 internal projections provide surfaces with the face facing above 111 on which the second numbering ring 13 can settle and turn during use. The first numbering ring 11 sits and rotates, during use, over the top of the second numbering ring 13. The sprocket 12 is mounted from so that it can rotate inside the main body 5 'on one part cylindrical 112 and interacts with both the first and the second numbering ring 11, 13. Internal projections 110, of the There are typically four, they also interact with the case 100. In addition, the main body 5 'is provided with a surface of static support 113 that can interact with at least part of the 100 cover, as will be discussed below. The main body 5 ' it is also provided with a hollow elongated portion 121 within the which passes the valve stem 22 of a loaded container 10. This elongated portion 121 provides a seal with the stem of valve 22 and a support against which the valve stem is press during the operation of the dispensing device. The part elongated is arranged to work in combination with a part of corresponding shape of the nozzle 20 '. The elongated part 121 provides protection for the valve stem when the 20 'nozzle has been removed. In addition, the main body 5 'is provided with one or more slots 122 in an upper area for integration with the corresponding parts of the fixing collar 3'.

The 20 'removable nozzle is provided with one or more devices 120 to fix the nozzle 20 'to the body main 5 '. In particular, a pressure fixation is provided with the nozzle 20 'having one or more internal trusses 120 each of them comprising a notch 123 that works in combination with a corresponding slot (not shown) located on the inner surface of the main body 5 'in the assembly. In consequently, it is very simple to change the mouthpiece of the device dispenser, if desired. The 20 'nozzle is also provided with a block (not shown) for receiving the valve stem 22 of a loaded container 10 or the elongated part 121. A dust cover (not shown) can be placed over the end nozzle open distance 20 '.

As shown in Figures 10 and 13, the case 100 comprises an open end cylinder having an end top that can receive a container 10 to place in the device 1 'dispenser and a lower end having an opening of reduced diameter through which the valve stem 22 of a container 10, placed inside the sheath 100, can protrude from but through which the body of the container 10 cannot happen. The cover 100 is also provided with a number of 70 'projections on its exterior that have supporting surfaces angled 70a, 70b for operation combined with surfaces of angle support 41 of the first numbering ring 11, as described below. Preferably, two are provided. sets of two projections 70 'on opposite outer sides of the cover 100. Each set comprises two support surfaces in separate opposite angles 70a, 70b that are angled with the shape of mirror images of each other. The two sets are oriented in the same direction to provide only one direction of rotation of the numbering ring 11. Additionally, the cover 100 is provided with slots 114 within which sliding the internal projections 110 of the main body 5 ' during the placement of the cover 100, inside the main body 5 'and the performance of the dispensing apparatus. Slot 100 is also provided with a resistant element 115, in the form of a cantilever elastic latch, for integration with surfaces of static support 113 of the main body 5 ', as will be described continuation.

As shown in Figure 10, the 2 'cover fits over the upper end of the container 10, opposite to the measuring valve The 2 'deck is provided with a diversity of outer parts in flange 130, for interaction with the fixing collar 3 '.

The fixing collar 3 'is provided with one or more notches 141 for placement in one or more slots 122 of the main body 5 ', so that it provides a fixation by improved pressure of the fixing collar 3 'to the main body 5'. The fixing collar 3 'is provided with flange parts interior 140, so that the outer flange portions 130 of the cover 2 'interact with the inner flange parts 140 to retain the cover 2 'and, therefore, the container 10, inside the main body 5 'when closed. The necklace of 3 'fixing is provided with a clear zone 30, or one or more openings 30 through which the provided parts are visible with marker of numbering rings 11, 13. Preferably, the fixing collar 3 'is provided with a projection 124 in the end of which a clear zone 30 or one or more is provided openings 30. This projection 124 extends in the region of the main body 5 'in a hole with the corresponding shape 125. This arrangement provides clear zone 30 or one or more openings 30 in a position in the region of the main group 5 ' which allows the vision of the marks on the numbering rings 11, 13.

The fixing collar 3 ', in combination with the 2 'cover, provides a closure to the upper end of the body main 5 ', remote from the nozzle 20'. In addition, the parties internal to the dispensing apparatus, for example, the rings of numbering 11, 13, cogwheel 12 ', holster 100 and container are kept inside the main body 5 'by the fixing collar 3 'and cover 2'.

In this alternative embodiment, the first numbering ring 11 may be provided with two rows of angled support surfaces 41 located in two areas of different diameter in that numbering ring. The surfaces of Angle support 41 of an area of larger diameter are indicated by reference 41a and those of the smaller diameter by reference 41b, as shown in Figure 16, in particular.

The second numbering ring 13 is provided with an extended area 150 that is positioned to cover the marks on the first numbering ring 11 when a container that can be placed in the housing is empty. Advantageously, the extended zone 150 provides a clear indication to a user of that the dispensing apparatus has provided its total capacity of dispensations

The cogwheel 12 ', as shown in the Figure 12 in particular, is provided with one or more teeth 50 ' separated by a non-toothed spacer 160, so that, a first end 161 of the 12 'sprocket, including one or more teeth 162 of reduced height, can interact with the first element annular 11 and a second end of the gearwheel 163, which is provided with one or more teeth of reduced height, it can interact  with the second annular element 13. The one or more teeth 162 which have reduced height are typically half the height of teeth of non-reduced height, whose teeth of height not reduced extend from spacer 160 to the face of the first end 161 of the 12 'sprocket. More preferably, the wheel Toothed 12 'is provided with teeth of reduced height 162 placed between each pair of teeth of not reduced height.

In use, this alternative embodiment of dispensing apparatus is operated in a manner similar to the first realization of dispensing apparatus. Additionally, slots 114 of the cover 100 slide down the projections internal 110 of the main body 5 'during operation and, of that way, they guide the valve stem 22 against the support (not shown) within the elongated zone 121. In addition, the element Rugged 115 of the cover 100 rests on the support surfaces static 113 of the main body 5 '. Such support provides a increased resistance to performance above resistance normal provided by the reaction force of the stem of the valve 22 that must be overcome before a drive Advantageously, the resistance requires that it be apply a minimum actuation force before the actuation of the dispensing apparatus - which helps to normalize the Dosage of the dispensed drug.

This provision provides rotations. partial incrementals of the first numbering ring 11. When the dispensing device is operated - through a longitudinal stroke down from the cover 2 'and the container 10- a first angle support surface 70a of each set of parts 70 ' interacts with at least one angled support surface 41a of the largest diameter zone of the first numbering ring 11 for provide a partial incremental rotation of the first ring of numbering 11. Additionally, during the corresponding career upward reciprocal of cover 2 'and container 10, a second angle support surface 70b of each set of parts 70 'interacts with at least one angled support surface 41b of the smaller diameter part of the first numbering ring 11 to provide a second and final partial incremental turn of the first numbering ring 11. Therefore, a number is indicated increased or decreased a user through a rotation in two stages of the first numbering ring 11 with the performance of 1 'dispensing apparatus.

As mentioned in relation to the prior embodiment, the numbering rings 11, 13 surround or be placed around container 1 ', when container 10 is loaded in the dispensing apparatus 1 '. Additionally, cover 100 and the container 10 can slide inside the main body 5 ' and pass through the holes / openings of the rings of Numbering 11, 13.

While the sample details are treated specific to the invention, it will naturally be understood that minor variations in features are still considered covered by the same inventive concept.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus dispenser can comprise, say, three or more rings of numbering: a first numbering ring for "units", a second for "tens" and a third for "hundreds". Additional sprockets may be provided. They can also provide subsequent numbering rings for "thousands" and so on. The second numbering ring and later are rotated by means of an arrangement as described in this document (by means of a cogwheel turned by a ring of previous numbering), by which ten incremental rotations of the previous numbering ring - as originally started on numbering ring of "units" for the performance of the apparatus- produces an incremental rotation of the numbering ring later.

Claims (39)

1. A dispensing apparatus (1) comprising a housing containing a dosage counter comprising a first and a second annular element (11, 13), each mounted so that it can rotate, the housing being suitable for receiving, during the use, a container (10) containing a product for dispensing, the container (10) being able to be placed inside the holes / openings of the first and second annular element (11, 13) characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a wheel gear (12), the axis of rotation of the gearwheel (12) being separated from the axes of rotation of the first and second annular element and the axis of rotation of the gearwheel (12) being located outside the first and second elements ring (11, 13) where with each performance of the device there is an incremental rotation of the first ring element (11) which, after a predetermined number of actions of the device, causes the gearwheel (12) to rotate, the rotation of the wheel serrated (12) produces the incremental rotation of the second annular element (13). 2. A dispensing device according to the claim 1, wherein a longitudinal acting force applied, during use, to the container becomes a force of rotation applied to the first annular element by means of formations of combined operation that have support surfaces in angle. 3. A dispensing device according to the claim 2, wherein the first annular element is provided with angled support surfaces. 4. A dispensing device according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the apparatus dispenser additionally comprises a cover or cover, for surround at least part of a container that can be placed in the dispensing apparatus, the cover or cover being provided with angled support surfaces. 5. A dispensing device according to the claim 3 or 4, wherein the first annular element and / or the cover or cover is provided with one or more sets of Angled support surfaces in different diameters. 6. A dispensing device according to the claim 5, wherein the respective surface sets  of angle support of the first annular element and the cover or sheath they work in combination, during use, to provide a turn incremental of the first annular element with a performance longitudinal of the cover or cover. 7. A dispensing device according to the claim 5, wherein a first set of parts of combined operation of the first annular element and the sheath or cover work in combination to provide a twist partial incremental of the annular element with the action longitudinal downward stroke of the dispensing apparatus and a second set of combined operating parts of the first annular element, and the cover or cover work in combination to provide a second and final partial incremental turn of the first annular element with the longitudinal running action upward reciprocal of the dispensing apparatus. 8. A dispensing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first annular element is provided with means to cause rotation of the cogwheel. 9. A dispensing device according to the claim 8, wherein, when the first means of rotation annular element are a notch or protrusion placed on an edge outside of the first annular element, the notch or projection is capable of interacting with a part of the cogwheel shaped as correspondent. 10. A dispensing device according to the claim 9, wherein the means of rotation of the first element annular are notches, the cogwheel is rotated by means of a tooth that captures the notch of the first annular element when the element rotates with the performance of the device. 11. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 9, wherein the means of rotation of the first element annular are some protrusions and the cogwheel has a notch with the corresponding form. 12. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with the claims 8 to 11, wherein three turning means are placed on the outer edge of the first annular element. 13. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with the claims 8 to 12, wherein the respective turning means they are placed separately in ten increments of rotation. 14. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each part  respective of the cogwheel that interacts with the first and the Second annular element has a different number of teeth. 15. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 14, wherein the ratio of the teeth of the respective parts of the cogwheel that interact with the first and the second annular element is 1: 2. 16. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel Toothed is made of resistant material. 17. A dispensing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel Toothed is placed resistant against an outer edge of the First annular element. 18. A dispensing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second annular element is provided with one or more sets of brands indicating the quantity or number of product doses dispensed from, or remaining in, a container housed within the apparatus. 19. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 18, wherein the sets of marks are numberings or variations of color and / or tone. 20. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 19, wherein the numbering of the first element annular varies from 0 to 9 and that of the second annular element from 00 to 20, so that when both are seen in combination, a 3-digit number 21. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 19 or 20, wherein each actuation of the apparatus makes the numbering value decreases or increases by a value of one. 22. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the second annular element is provided with an extended part that is placed on the second annular element so as to cover the marks of the first annular element when a container that can be placed in The housing is empty. 23. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims comprising means for blocking the operation of a container placed in the Case. 24. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus  Dispenser is provided with a nozzle that is removable from the Case. 25. A dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 24, wherein a part of the cover or cover and a part of the housing are adapted to provide resistance to device performance dispenser. 26. A dispensing device according to the claim 25, wherein a part of the sheath or cover is a resistant element. 27. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 25 or 26, wherein the housing part is a static support surface on which, during use, you can Temporarily support the part of the cover or cover. 28. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus  it also includes third and subsequent annular elements, providing a cogwheel for each annular element additional. 29. A dispensing device according to the claim 28, wherein a predetermined number of turns of the second or previous annular element produces an incremental turn the third or later annular element. 30. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel Toothed comprises an axis, with a pivot hole located in the center of it and a diversity of teeth that extend outward from the center of the cogwheel, being able to the cogwheel rotate on a longitudinal axis through the hole, in which one or more teeth have a reduced height in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in which the upper edges e Lower teeth are not in line with both upper faces and lower of the cogwheel. 31. A dispensing device according to the claim 30, wherein the one or more teeth having a reduced height have a height half that of the others teeth. 32. A dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 30 or 31, wherein the wheel Toothed comprises a tooth of reduced height placed between each pair of teeth of not reduced height. 33. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein all teeth of reduced height are placed either on an upper edge or well below the cogwheel. 34. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 30, wherein the parts of one or more teeth are separated by a non-toothed spacer, so that, during use, a first end of the cogwheel, including one or more teeth of reduced height, interacts with the first annular element and the second end of the cogwheel, which is not provided with one or more teeth of reduced height, interacts with the second annular element 35. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 34, wherein the one or more teeth having reduced height are half as tall as tall teeth not reduced, which extends the teeth of non-reduced height from the spacer to the face of the first end of the wheel toothed 36. A dispensing apparatus according to any of claims 34 or 35, wherein the wheel Toothed comprises a tooth of reduced height placed between each pair of teeth of not reduced height. 37. A dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a container placed in the housing of the dispensing apparatus. 38. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 37, wherein the annular elements are located around the container 39. A dispensing apparatus according to the claim 37 or 38, wherein the container is pressurized